Developing an optimal match within online communities: An exploration of CMC support communities and traditional support

This study investigates the complementary nature of face-to-face and comput er-mediated social support and the development of a context through which h yperpersonal communication can develop within online communities. Optimal m atching theory is used as a framework for explaining how hyperpersonal comm unication develops within online cancer support communities. We compared on line participants 'perceptions of illness support from the list with the su pport they received from a nonmediated relationship. Respondents participat ed more within the online community only when they perceived that the depth and support that they received from the online community was high, and whe n the depth and support they received from the specific person in their lif e was low.